5 ways to celebrate a fun Fourth of July

A number of local communities will host fireworks shows this year. A listing is in today's Arts and Entertainment calendar (which starts on page page 28 and is also online) and will be repeated in this Sunday's Gotta Do It.

But if you'd like to change it up this year, here's a few more suggestions.

Kids can participate in a bike parade on July 3 at Plainfield Central High School. The parade is part of a larger Fourth of July celebration hosted by the Plainfield Park District.

[Sarah Nader]

A patriotic celebration for a cause

On July 1, come down to Wilmington and enjoy the Water Street Market (held the first Saturday of the month, according to its website), along with Wilmington Rotary's car show "Cars for a Cause," music by Wasted Word and, of course, fireworks, according to a news release from Island Park District.

The market will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Cars for a Cause" opens at 5 p.m. Wasted Word performs at 8 p.m on Water Street, taking an intermission around 9 p.m. for the fireworks.
Keeping the patriotic spirit in mind, the car show will benefit military organizations. "Cars for a Cause gives car owners a chance to win a donation to Manteno Veterans' Home, Hire a Hero or Wilmington VFW, the release said.

The car show will take place on North Water Street in Downtown Wilmington and will run from 6 to 8 p.m. The vehicle entry fee is $10, but spectators are admitted free, the release said.
For more information, contact Renee at 815-476-2729 or wilm.ilrotarycarshow@gmail.com.

​Plan ahead for a perfect cookout

On July 2, fans can dial into the LongHorn Steakhouse’s Grill Us Hotline between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET for grilling tips from the masters, according to a news release from LongHorn Steakhouse.

For even more tips and tricks:

• Chat live with LongHorn for expert advice from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• Enjoy access to recipes and grilling know-how through the Grill Hero Facebook Messenger, available on LongHorn’s Facebook page.

• Text “GRILL” to 55702 and get LongHorn’s top tips and recipes delivered straight to your phone all summer – and tips will change every week.

• LongHorn’s web site www.ExpertGriller.com is dedicated to chef-inspired recipes, cook-out guides and even more expert advice.

[Photo provided]

Why not a 5K?

Kick up your metabolism before the brats and ice cream and join the Liberty 5K, a celebration of the United States' independence, according to its website.
This event is from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 3. The Liberty 5K is a chip-timed race on a certified course, the website also said.

The 5K course runs through downtown Morris, along with area parks and neighborhoods, the release said. The route is completely paved and mostly flat, but you will encounter some slight hills.

Registration will be at Ebbey George's Bar &amp; Grill, 402 Liberty St. Morris. Registration is $35.

No babysitter? No worries. There's also a Kids Fun Run for $5.

For more information visit www.liberty5k.com.

[Lathan Goumas]

More red, white and blue

And if you'd like to extend the celebration, dress the kids – and yourself – in red, white and blue on July 6 and then and head out to Louis Joliet Mall for "The Red, White and Blue Spectacular.

The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carson's Court and will feature holiday-themed games and activities, according to a news release from the Plainfield Park District. If that isn't fun enough, Captain America and Wonder Woman will make an appearance, too.